Ultrex QUEST Shaft Length Guide: How to Choose Between 45", 52", and 60"
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The Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST 90/115 is available with 45", 52", and 60" shafts.
Choose 45" for lower-profile freshwater boats where the trolling-motor mounting surface sits relatively close to the water.
Choose 52" when your boat requires additional shaft reach or you want more propeller-submersion margin for changing conditions.
Choose 60" for higher-bow freshwater boats and applications where waves, chop, and bow movement require the greatest shaft reach available in the Ultrex QUEST lineup.
Do not select shaft length from boat length alone. Measure vertically from the trolling-motor mounting surface to the waterline with the boat normally loaded, then account for the conditions in which you normally fish.
Shaft Length Comparison
| Shaft | Best Starting Point | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 45" | Lower-profile bows | Bass boats and relatively protected water |
| 52" | Moderate bow height | Many tournament bass boats and versatile freshwater applications |
| 60" | Higher bows / more rough-water margin | Multi-species boats, exposed water, and Great Lakes applications |
Why Shaft Length Matters
Shaft length determines how deeply your trolling motor's propeller stays submerged. Proper shaft length helps maintain consistent thrust, steering authority, and boat control—especially when the bow rises and falls in waves or rough water.
Choose a shaft that's too short and the propeller may approach or break the surface in rough conditions, reducing thrust and making it harder for the motor to maintain boat position. Choose too long a shaft and you may introduce unnecessary clearance, stowage, or shallow-water concerns.
How to Measure for Shaft Length
Before selecting a shaft length, measure from the trolling-motor mounting surface to the waterline with the boat in the water at normal fishing load (fuel, gear, and passengers aboard).
- Launch the boat and load it as you would for a typical fishing day.
- Measure vertically from the trolling-motor mounting surface down to the waterline.
- Use that measurement as your primary reference when selecting shaft length.
Use Minn Kota's current shaft-selection guidance together with your measured mounting-surface-to-waterline distance. Allow additional shaft reach when the boat will regularly operate in waves, chop, or conditions that cause significant bow movement.
The 45-Inch Shaft
Who It's For
The 45-inch shaft is designed for lower-profile freshwater boats where the trolling-motor mounting surface sits relatively close to the waterline. It is the shortest and most compact shaft option in the Ultrex QUEST lineup, which can make stowage, trailering clearance, and shallow-water operation more manageable on appropriate boats.
Boats That May Be Good Candidates for a 45" Shaft
- Lower-profile fiberglass bass boats
- Compact tournament bass boats
- Boats with relatively low trolling-motor mounting surfaces
- Boats primarily operated on protected inland water with minimal wave action
These are general application examples, not fitment guarantees. Measure your actual mounting-surface-to-waterline distance before purchasing.
When to Consider the 52" Instead
If your mounting surface sits higher above the waterline, you regularly fish in wind or waves, or you want additional propeller-submersion margin, the 52" shaft is typically the better fit.
Shop the Ultrex QUEST 45" with Dual Spectrum CHIRP or Ultrex QUEST 45" with MEGA Down + Side Imaging.
The 52-Inch Shaft
Who It's For
The 52-inch shaft is one of the most versatile options in the Ultrex QUEST lineup and can be a strong fit for many modern tournament bass boats and freshwater fishing rigs. It provides additional shaft reach over the 45" configuration without stepping all the way to the 60" model.
Boats That May Be Good Candidates for a 52" Shaft
- Tournament bass boats requiring additional shaft reach over the 45" configuration
- Freshwater fishing rigs operated on larger lakes and reservoirs
- Boats fished in moderate to variable conditions throughout the season
- Multi-species freshwater boats with moderate bow height
These are general application examples, not fitment guarantees. Measure your actual mounting-surface-to-waterline distance before purchasing.
When to Consider the 60" Instead
If you fish a larger deep-V boat, regularly encounter Great Lakes conditions or large open-water reservoirs with significant wave action, or your mounting surface sits substantially higher above the waterline, the 60" shaft may be the better choice.
Shop the Ultrex QUEST 52" with Dual Spectrum CHIRP or Ultrex QUEST 52" with MEGA Down + Side Imaging.
The 60-Inch Shaft
Who It's For
The 60-inch shaft provides the greatest shaft reach available in the Ultrex QUEST lineup. It's intended for applications where higher bow mounting surfaces, larger waves, or significant bow movement require additional propeller submersion to maintain consistent thrust and boat control.
Boats That May Be Good Candidates for a 60" Shaft
- Larger freshwater boats with higher bow mounting surfaces
- Deep-V walleye and multi-species boats
- Boats regularly operated on Great Lakes fisheries or large open-water reservoirs
- Applications where waves, chop, and bow movement are consistent factors
These are general application examples, not fitment guarantees. Measure your actual mounting-surface-to-waterline distance before purchasing.
When the 52" Is Enough
If your measured mounting-surface-to-waterline distance and operating conditions do not require the additional reach of the 60" shaft, the 52" configuration may be the more appropriate choice.
Shop the Ultrex QUEST 60" with Dual Spectrum CHIRP or Ultrex QUEST 60" with MEGA Down + Side Imaging.
Shaft Length vs. Sonar Package — Two Separate Decisions
Shaft length and sonar package are independent choices. Once you've selected the right shaft for your boat, choose the sonar package that matches how you fish.
| Sonar Package | Best For |
|---|---|
| Dual Spectrum CHIRP | Traditional 2D sonar, anglers already running forward-facing sonar |
| MEGA Down + Side Imaging | Anglers who want integrated side, down, and 2D sonar capability with compatible Humminbird electronics |
See our Ultrex QUEST Sonar Comparison Guide for a detailed breakdown of each sonar package.
Compare All Ultrex QUEST Models
Once you've determined the correct shaft length, compare the available Ultrex QUEST sonar configurations, features, and models in our complete collection.
→ Shop All Minn Kota Ultrex QUEST Trolling Motors
Still Not Sure? Ask Us.
Shaft length selection depends on your specific boat, how you load it, and the water you fish. If you're not certain which shaft is right for your setup, contact our marine specialists before purchasing. We're happy to help you make the right call.